Help subtracting these fractions please

Click For Summary
The discussion revolves around the correct method for subtracting fractions, particularly when mixed numbers are involved. Participants emphasize the importance of converting whole numbers into fractions before finding a common denominator. The original poster mistakenly combined whole numbers and negative fractions, leading to confusion in their calculations. Clarifications highlight that the integer and fractional parts must share the same sign for proper mixed number representation. Ultimately, the correct approach results in the answer of 17/20, reinforcing the need for careful fraction handling.
  • #31
FactChecker said:
Your final answer is not how you should ever write a mixed number. You can not simply concatenate the integer +1 and the fraction -3/20 directly to a proper mixed number. The integer part and the fractional part must have the same sign. Change that integer, 1, into a fraction and subtract the fraction numerators to get a valid answer.
Integer you mean the whole number ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
chriscarson said:
Integer you mean the whole number ?
Yes
 
  • Like
Likes chriscarson
  • #33
FactChecker said:
Yes
So you make 20 × 1 - 3 = 17 then / 20 .
Good looks more clear now for me .
Thanks
 
  • Like
Likes Delta2 and FactChecker

Similar threads

How to Solve Mixed Number Multiplication in Fractions?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Simplifying this complicated fraction
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
Do We Need Boundaries for Fraction Equations?
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
1K
Basic probability question (1 boy + 2 girls of a group of 7)
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Definition of multiplying fractions -- help please
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Partial fraction decomposition exercise 2
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Trying to resolve a volume calculation
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Adding and subtracting fractions
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Show that the ratio ##x+y:x-y## is increased by subtracting ##y##
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Conjugate vs Complex Conjugate
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K